Apple releases new iPhones in September most years, with pre-orders starting a week or two before

Apple has announced new iPhone models every September since 2014, with rare exceptions. The company typically holds an event in early to mid-September, shows off the new phones, and opens pre-orders within days — usually the following Friday. Phones ship to customers about a week after pre-orders begin. This pattern has held steady enough that you can expect a September announcement unless Apple breaks its own rhythm.

The exact date shifts year to year. In 2023, Apple announced on September 12. In 2022, the announcement was September 7. In 2024, it was September 9. Apple does not announce the date in advance — the company typically sends invitations to press and posts a teaser on its website about a week before the event. If you want to know the specific date for this year, checking Apple's official website or major tech news outlets in late August is the most reliable approach.

Not every iPhone model releases at the same time. Apple usually releases two or three models on the same day, but sometimes holds back a larger or more expensive version for a few weeks. The standard and Pro models typically arrive together, while Pro Max versions occasionally ship later.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple announces new iPhones in September most years, with the exact date varying between early and mid-month.
  • Pre-orders usually open the Friday after the announcement event, with phones arriving about a week later.
  • Apple does not publish announcement dates ahead of time — the company sends invitations to press about one week before.
  • Checking Apple's official website or major tech news sites in late August will show you the announcement date once it is confirmed.
  • Not all iPhone models release on the same day; Pro Max versions sometimes ship weeks after the base and Pro models.

Where to find the official announcement date

Apple posts the announcement date on its main website, usually in the form of a teaser page with a countdown or a direct link to watch the event live. This page goes live about one week before the event. You do not need to sign up or create an account — the event stream is free and open to anyone.

If you do not want to check Apple's website regularly, tech news outlets like MacRumors, The Verge, and 9to5Mac publish the date as soon as Apple confirms it. These sites also send email notifications if you subscribe. Apple's own newsroom (press.apple.com) is another official source, though it is written for journalists rather than consumers.

How to pre-order when the new iPhone launches

Pre-orders open on Apple's website and in the Apple Store app on the Friday after the announcement. You can also pre-order through your carrier — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others all take pre-orders at the same time. Carrier pre-orders sometimes include trade-in deals or monthly discounts, so comparing offers before you order is worth the time.

To pre-order directly from Apple, you need an Apple ID and a payment method. You will also need to choose your storage size, color, and whether you want the standard or Pro model. The process takes about five minutes. If you are trading in an old phone, Apple will ask for details about its condition and will deduct the trade-in value from your total.

Pre-order lines can be long on the first day, especially in the first hour. If you experience slowdowns or errors on Apple's website, trying again in a few hours or the next morning usually works without any penalty — you are not locked into a specific time window.

What to expect between announcement and arrival

The time between announcement and your phone arriving in hand is usually two to three weeks. The announcement happens on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Pre-orders open the following Friday. Phones ship about a week after that, so most people receive their pre-ordered phones by late September or early October.

If you do not pre-order, you can still buy a new iPhone on the release date itself, but stock runs low quickly. Waiting a few weeks usually means better availability and shorter shipping times. Carrier stores and retailers like Best Buy also stock new iPhones on release day, though in-store availability depends on your location and the specific model.

Checking your current iPhone's age and when to upgrade

If you are trying to decide whether to wait for the new model or buy now, knowing how old your current phone is helps. You can find your iPhone's release date by going to Settings, then About, and looking at the Model number. The model number tells you which generation you own — for example, "iPhone 15" or "iPhone 14 Pro." You can then search for that model's release date online.

Most iPhones receive software updates for five to six years after release. If your phone is three years old or newer, it will likely continue receiving updates for several more years. If it is five years old or older, you may be approaching the end of its supported life. This is a practical reason to upgrade, separate from whether the new model has features you want.

Rumors versus official information

Months before Apple's announcement, tech blogs and social media fill with rumors about what the new iPhone will look like, what features it will have, and what it will cost. Some of these rumors come from reliable sources with a track record of accuracy. Many do not. Rumors are educated guesses at best.

The only information you can rely on is what Apple announces at its event or posts on its official website. If you see a claim about the new iPhone on a blog or social media, and you want to know whether it is true, wait for Apple's announcement or check Apple's official product pages. This saves you from making a purchase decision based on something that may not happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pre-order an iPhone before the announcement event?

No. Pre-orders do not open until after Apple's announcement event, usually the Friday of that same week. You cannot reserve a phone before Apple officially shows it to the public.

What if I miss the pre-order window?

You can still buy a new iPhone on the official release date or any time after. Stock may be lower and shipping times longer, but the phone will not sell out permanently. You can order weeks or months later if you prefer.

Do all iPhone models cost the same?

No. The base model is usually the least expensive, and Pro and Pro Max models cost more. Prices vary by storage size as well. Apple publishes the full pricing on its website when it announces the phones.

Will my old iPhone still work after the new one comes out?

Yes. Older iPhones continue to work and receive software updates for years after a new model launches. You are not forced to upgrade, and your phone will not suddenly stop functioning.

How do I know if the new iPhone is worth upgrading to?

Read Apple's official feature comparison on its website after the announcement. Compare what the new model offers against what your current phone does. If the new features matter to you and your current phone is aging, upgrading makes sense. If your phone works fine, waiting is also fine.